There is a very interesting situation brewing in Toronto, this time involving the guards instead of the big men. Kyle Lowry is still coming off the bench, last night playing 22 minutes, taking 2 shots (missing both from downtown), and throwing in 2 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals. Believe it or not (but believe it you shall), Jose Calderon had a similar line (0 points, 1 rebound, 13 assists) while getting the start. You like to see your point guards take some shots, but the fact that both combined had 21 assists shows that the Raptors are more than content to let the PG lead the offense through direction over action. I’ve been on the Calderon rooters club for a while now, and even with Lowry back, I think both retain their individual values. Buy both, sell neither, live free, die hard. Here’s what else made me hard in last night’s games:

J.J. Hickson – With 28 minutes of court time, he only managed to take 4 shots, and missed 3 of them. He still had 7 rebounds and a steal to go with those 2 points.

Ed Davis – As expected, both he and Amir Johnson saw 30+ minutes of playing time, with Davis tallying 19 pts, 7 rebs, 1 assist, and 1 steal while Johnson produced 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block.

Isaiah Thomas – With the smell of renewed hype in the air, Thomas dumped 8 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and a steal on the stat sheet.

Alonzo Gee – Janis Joplin never sang about Alonzo, but he still had a hit with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Emeka Okafor – With his ownership numbers climbing, he reminded us why they were low to begin with, earning 4 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal. How badly do you want those rebounds, friends?

Bradley Beal – With word that John Wallmay return to play off the bench for a while, Beal still has some longer term value. He produced 14 points, 2 threes, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block last night. The Wizards are toast, so I do not see the team stressing Wall in any way, shape or form.

Kris Humphries – Now that everyone is fed up with him, he went out for 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block.

Kendrick Perkins – Does anyone still eat at Perkin’s? Is that chain still around? Kendrick wants to know, which distracted him on shooting. He finished with 3 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block.

Tony Parker – He is still not slowing down, going for 23 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals. There comes a time when you stop expecting the other shoe to drop and start sucking on toes embracing the season.

Larry Sanders – Another defensive explosion with 6 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 blocks. A defensive explosion is not when you fart at an attacker.

John Henson – Hit 10 of 11 shots for 20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a block. I hope a Muppet Babies revival is next. Wait, that was Jim?

@ChrisV: My worry is old age. Pop said “I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again, I’m sure.” in reference to resting starters against Miami earlier this season. And he did the same thing 3 times last season before the playoffs to give his starters rest.

I’m worried about this during fantasy playoffs. Do you think this will be an issue? That’s the only reason I’m considering trading him.

It seems like this blog has just turned into regurgitating stats mixed with rambling snark, while offering no useful insight or analysis. Anyone can glance over last night’s numbers and re-write them, but people come here for information that will give them an edge in their fantasy exploits. So do better. You’re capable of it.

12 Team H2H. Got an offer for my CP3. Deron Williams, Afflalo, Hibbert for Paul. It’s still the Paul side, right? Would you take it with Marc Gasol/Gortat in the offer? I could need another Center. We can keep 2 players at the end of the year. Paul is obviously one keeper, but I also have Jefferson and Lillard.
However, Deron Williams doesn’t impress me a lot and CP3 is still a Top5 guy.

@Steve: A 3-1 deal makes me raise an eyebrow. You would have to drop 2 guys. I could see trading Paul for Williams and Gasol. I have Paul on pretty much every team, but I might make that move. It depends on your roster.